Gold

Properties

• •Chemical symbol Au, atomic number 79
• •Dense, soft, and highly resistant to corrosion and tarnish
• •One of the most electrically conductive metals, second only to silver
• •Extremely malleable — a single ounce can be drawn into a wire over 50 miles long

Uses

For most of recorded history gold has served as money and a store of wealth, backing currencies until the last major economy left the gold standard in 1971. Today it remains central to central bank reserves, jewelry, and electronics, where its resistance to corrosion makes it valuable in connectors and circuitry.

Why investors hold it

Investors hold gold as a hedge against inflation and currency devaluation, and because its price historically moves independently of stocks and bonds. It tends to hold value during periods of economic uncertainty, geopolitical instability, and currency weakness.

Common bullion forms

• •Coins (American Eagle, Canadian Maple Leaf, Krugerrand, and others)
• •Bars ranging from 1 gram up to 400 troy ounce London Good Delivery size
• •Rounds produced by private mints